Bali Envoys Close In On Compromise Agreement

The US and EU are close to a compromise at the UN climate conference, AP reports. The conference had been deadlocked over the EU suggestion of a goal of reducing emissions by between 25 percent and 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

But now, a deal seems to be within reach. “On the brink of agreement, I think,” U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer said. “Absolutely not deadlocked. People are working very hard to resolve outstanding issues.”

Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar – the conference president – has floated the idea of dropping the explicit 25 percent and 40 percent numbers in favor of reaffirming that emissions should be reduced at least by half by 2050. This move seems to have opened the door to a compromise.

US envoys have now submitted amendments that would introduce the idea of voluntary cutback programs.